Combined refrigerating and water



y 1, 1951 F. WHITNEY 2,562,651

COMBINED REFRIGERQTING AND WATER HEATING SYSTEM Filed May 22, 1947 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Atgjs.

.2; man 17 Wz'nqy I 1951 F. WHITNEY 2,562,651

' COMBINED REFRIGERATING AND WATER HEATING SYSTEM Filed May 22, 1947 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 fizf w zz al Jgz/ieal Flax/lay 2,562,651 COMBINED REFRIGERATING AND WATER HEATING SYSTEM Filed May 22, 1947 L. F. WHITNEY July 31, 1951 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 n n mnunl lnn l I A Patented July 31, 1951 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE COMBINED REFRIGERATING AND WATER- HEATING SYSTEM Lyman F. Whitney, Cambridge, Mass., assignor, by mesne assignments, to Stator Company, a corporation of Massachusetts Application May 22, 1947, Serial No. 749,661

14 Claims. 1

This invention relates to a combined refrigerating and water-heating system of the type disclosed in United States Patent No. 2,174,302, granted to me September 26, 1939, the principal objects of the invention being to prevent the high temperature heat of condensing propellant from reacting on the lower temperature refrigerant condenser with considerable lowering of refrigcratin efliciency; to minimize space required for heat-absorption and for warm and hot water storage; and to provide proper control and regulation for the dumping or discharge of water to maintain refrigeration.

Further objects relate to various features of construction and will be apparent from a consideration of the following description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of that part of apparatus constituting the water-heating system,

as distinguished from the refrigeration system;

Fig. 1a is a diagrammatic elevational view of the refrigeration system associated with the water-heating system of Fig. 1;

Fi 2 is an end elevation thereof;

Figs. 3 and 4 are side and end elevations of a modified form of the invention.

In accordance with the present inventiofi'a refrigerating' system of the above-mentioned type, having a boiler for generating a propellant fluid such as mercury vapor and a pump or aspirator for impelling a refrigerant such as water containing an anti-freeze from a cooler, is associated with a water-heating system comprising two independent condensers, one of which is arranged in heat-transfer relation to the refrigerant vapor discharged from the pump and the other condenser is arranged in heat-transfer relation to the propellant fluid operating the pump or a propellant-condensing fluid associated with the pump. One of the condensers includes or is associated with a passage through which water or other liquid to be heated is conducted so as to effect a heat transfer and consequent preheating of the liquid and means are provided for conducting the preheated liquid into heat-exchange relation with the other condenser,-after which the heated liquid or fluid may be discharged for use or stored.

The invention thus affords apparatus wherein the heat from one portion of a refrigeration system is first segregated from and then at appropriate intervals combined with the heat from other portions. The various parts of the refrigerating system may each operate at the tempera- 2 heat is added and the refrigeration system operates at its maximum efficiency as a water heater.

Referring to Figs. 1, la and 2 of the accompanying drawings which show what is now considered a preferred embodiment of the invention,

the reference character R indicates a refrigeration system shown in detail in Fig. 1a. Such a system is provided with a boiler I, preferably containing mercury, which is heated by a suitable main burner M. The mercury vapor flows upwardly from the boiler l through the riser pipe ill to the first and second stage aspirator nozzles l5 and 25 of the first and second stage aspirator assemblies l6 and 26, respectively. The first stage aspirator draws refrigerant vapor from the cooler or evaporator I! through the pipe l2, mercury being condensed in the first stage assembly (6 and the resulting condensate passing into the drain 28. Vapor from the first stage assembly passes through a vapor pipe Is to an interstage cooler 20, and thence through a duct 2| to the mixing chamber of the second stage assembly 26. Theme'rcury vapor from the second stage nozzle 25 is eflective in further compressing the refrigerant vapor. Condensed mercury from the second stage assembly is received by the drain 30 which also receives mercury from the drain 28.

The compressed refrigerant passes upwardly through the vapor duct 32 to the refrigerant condenser llll hereinafter more fully described. Condensate from condenser Illl passes downwardly through a return pipe 34 which communicates at its lower end with an inclined pipe 35 forming one leg of a trap, the opposite leg of which is provided by the lower part of drain 30.

A pipe 31 is connected to the drain 30 and affords a spill-over connection tending to determine the level of mercury in the trap provided by pipes 30 and 35 as well as associated parts of the refrigerating system. The lower part of pipe 31 is connected through a trap 38 with a mercury return pipe 39, the pipes 31 and 39 containing a sufficient head of liquid mercury to balance the boiler pressure. The upper end of inclined pipe 35 is connected to an upstanding pipe section 40 which extends above the level of the liquid refrigerant in the cooler M to a connection with a downwardly extending pipe 4| that communicates with a duct or drain 43 extending downwardly from the bottom of the cooler It.

The duct 43 preferably has a large diametei and forms a shallow trap 44 which is connectel to a drum 2 that is connected by a pipe flawitl the head of cooler H. The lower part of drun ture most efllcient for it and yet the resultant 5g 42 has a connection with a drain it which repasses downwardly through the latter.

ceives condensed mercury from the mixing chamber of the second stage aspirator assembly. The lower end of this drain is connected by a pipe 41 with an upwardly extending continuation 38a of the return duct 39, this duct continuation 38a forming a drain to receive mercury from the first stage mixing chamber. Returning refrigerant passes through a mercury trap at the junction of ducts 34 and 40 and thence passes through the upper part of duct 40 and through ducts H and 43 back to the cooler.

The aspirator assemblies I6 and 28 may be provided with jackets 50 and SI forming part of an auxiliary fluid circuit which may contain a suitable circulating medium such as alcohol. The jacket 50 is provided with an upwardly extending pipe 54 which communicates with an alcohol condenser I02 at the upper part of the system, while the jacket is connected by a pipe 58 to the pipe 54. These pipes are arranged so that alcohol which is vaporized by the heat of mercury passing through the aspirator assemblies may rise into the condenser I02.

The interstage cooler 20 is provided with a jacket Me which also forms a part of the auxiliary fluid circuit. The upper part of this jacket is connected by a duct 59 to the pipe 54 so that alcohol vapor can also rise from the interstage cooler 20 to the condenser I02. The duct 59 also forms a drain to receive condensate to return the same to the jacket 20a. The jacket 20a is connected by a pipe 80 to the lower part of jacket 5i, the pipe 60 in turn being connected by a pipe 8| to the lower part of the first stage jacket 50.

Preferably a temperature-responsive bulb 65 may be disposed. in the region of the cooler I4 and may form a part of a thermostatic system including a tube 66 and expansible-contractible bellows 61. The latter is arranged to control a gas regulating valve 1; in accordance with the temperature of the region of the cooler, so that the rate that gas is supplied to the main burner M may be varied in accordance with refrigeration demand.

An auxiliary boiler 80 is mounted on the top of the main boiler I, the boiler 80 being in the form of a conical sheet metal chamber secured by welding to the top of the boiler I, as disclosed more fully in U. S. Patent 2,174,302, granted September 26, 1939, to which reference may be had for a more detailed description of the system. A duct 83 extends upwardly from the duct 31 between its connection to the duct 30 and the trap 38. The upper end of duct 83 communicates with the vapor pipe I9 between the aspirator assembly I 6 and the interstage cooler 20. As shown, a

'vertically extending portion of the pipe 83 may have a spill-over connection through a short upwardly inclined duct 82, with a duct 8I extending upwardly from the auxiliary boiler 80. A second connection 84 between the ducts 83 and 8| may be arranged just above the connection 82 and substantially parallel thereto.

When the boiler pressure is quite high, the column of mercury in the lower part of the return pipe 88 will have branches extending upwardly into the upper part of this pipe, into the pipe 81 and into the pipe 83. When the branch column in pipe 83 rises to the connection of pipes 82 and 8|, the mercury spills over and Further increase in the height of the. mercury columns is thereupon substantially precluded. When the mercury is thus received by the pipe 8I, it passes into the auxiliary boiler 80 and is thereupon vaporized. Vaporization of the mercury in this auxiliary boiler absorbs heat from the vaporizer I, thus substantially precluding a further increase .in the rate of vapor flow through riser I0.

The vapor from the auxiliary boiler rises through ipe 8i and through pipe 84, passing through the upper part of duct 83 and the vapor pipe I8 to the interstage cooler 20. Thus the mercury vaporized in the secondary boiler is received by the interstage cooler 20. It will be noted that pipe 8i preferably is non-capillary, so that liquid mercury can flow downwardly through the same while mercury vapor is rising through the same.

It will be noted that the pressure in the secondary boiler 80 may be relatively low since the same is connected to the interstage cooler. since pressure within the vaporizer 80 is substantially lower than the pressure within the main vaporizer I, vaporization may occur in boiler 80 at a temperature substantially lower than that then necessary for vaporization. in vaporizer I. Thus. when mercury is received in boiler 80, heat can flow from vaporizer I to cause the mercury in boiler 80 to vaporize. A substantial fraction of the total heat received from the main burner M may then be effective in vaporizing the mercury in boiler 80. Accordingly, under such conditions, a further increase in the rate of heat supply does not tend to cause any substantial increased pressure in vaporizer I and resultant increased rate of vapor flow through the riser I0. Apparatus of this character therefore may be effective in supplying additional heat directly to the stored water without causing any substantial increase in the rate of refrigeration above a predeter: mined point. When the rate of heat supply is within a range below the point which result; in operation of boiler 80, variations in the rate of heat supply may cause roughly proportional variations in the rate of refrigeration, while, when the rate of heat supply is above this point; a further increase in this rate may result in a much smaller increase in the rate of refrigeration than would have resulted from a similar increase in heat supply below said point.

The condenser IIII comprises an outer shell or cylinder I05 having an inlet opening I06 at its upper end and an outlet opening I01 at its lower end. An inner shell or cylinder H0 is mounted within the cylinder I05 with its side wall and closed end spaced from those of the outer shell so as to provide a hot fluid passage III. The assemblage is suitably supported so that it is inclined at a slight angle with the outlet opening I01 at the lowermost level.

The outer end of the inner shell I I8 is provided with a dome-like closure plate I I2 (Fig. 1) having an inlet opening I I4 at its lower part and an outlet opening II5 at its upper part. The periphery of the closure plate extends beyond the outer end of the inner shell and is welded or otherwise secured to the open end of the outer shell I05 to provide a closure therefor. An elongate baiiie plate H8 is secured to the closure plate II2 above the inlet H4 and extends along the lower wall portion of the, inner shell I I0 so as to divide the interior of the inner shell into two parts which provide, in eifect, a cold fluid passage in heat-exchange relation to th hot fluid passage III. Adjacent to the inlet opening I05 the outer shell I05 is formed with a small owning connected with a purger tube I I8 which connects with a purger device (not shown) of the type illustrated in Fig. 8 of Patent No. 2,180,447, granted to me November 21, 1939.

The refrigerant vapor duct 32 is connected with the inlet I08 so as to discharge hot refrigerant vapor into the passage III, and the outlet MI is connected to duct 34 so that condensed refrigerant may return to the refrigerating system. The inlet H4 is connected to a water supply line I 20 and the outlet I I5 is connected by a pipe II8 with a condenser I 02, as hereinafter described. Cold water admitted through inlet II4 passes beneath the bailie II6 where it absorbs heat from the refrigerant and insures the return of condensed refrigerant at a minimum temperature.

The condenser I02 comprises a shallow saddle or cradle-like housing I25 closed at each end and having an inlet opening I28 at its upper part and an outlet opening I2I at its lowest part. The U- shaped interior of the housing I25 defines a hot fluid passage I28 and accordingly the inlet I28 is connected with the pipe 54 and the outlet I2'I with the return pipe 59. The housing I25 supports a cylindrical water storage tank I30 which snugly fits against the inner wall of the housing as shown more clearly in Fig.2, there being a layer of solder, asphalt or other suitable heat-conducting material between the contiguous surfaces so as to insure the maximum heat transfer between the parts. Metal straps I32 or the like may be provided to secure the parts together so that, if desired, the storage tank I30 may be removed without requiring an objectionable disassembling of the parts.

opened, the preheated water in condenser III passes through pipe II8 into'the tank I38 where it receives additional heat from the condensing pipe 34 to the evaporator trap of the refrigerating The lower part of one end of the tank I30 is provided with an inlet opening I33 connected with the pipe H8 and the oppositeend of the tank is provided with a small opening which receives the control bulb I34 of a thermostatically operated waste-discharge device. At its upper end the tank I30 is provided with an outlet or discharge opening I35 connected with ahot water line I38 and a waste-discharge opening I38 which receives a thermostatically-operated waste-discharge valve I40 connected to the bulb I34 by a capillary tube I. A baflle I42 secured to one end of the tank above the opening I33, divides the interior of the tank into two parts which provide, in eifect, a cold fluid passage in heat-exchange relation with the passage I28. The waste-discharge valve I40 is connected to a suitable drain by a pipe I44 so as to discharge excess hot water from the tank I30 when a predetermined temperature is reached, thereby preventing overheating of the water in the tank I30 and consequent impairment of the eflieiency of the refrigerating system. Although the hot water line I36 is here shown as being connected with a faucet I48, if desired, it may be connected with a large storage tank as shown in copending application Serial No. 755,776, filed June 19, 1947, now Patent No. 2,544,408, granted March 6, 1951.

The operation of the system is as follows: assuming that water from supply line I20 fills the inner shell of the condenser IN and the tank I30 and that the refrigerating apparatus R is normally operating, the hot refrigerant vapors from the aspirator are passed up through pipe 32 into the passage or chamber III of the condenser IM and the alcohol vapor or other propellant condensing fluid from the aspirator jackets, passes up through pipe 54 into the passage or chamber I28 of condenser I02. The condensing refrigerant vapor transfers heat to the water in the inner shell of the condenser I0 I thereby preheating the water therein, and likewise the condensing alcohol vapor in the passage I28 transfers heat to the water within tank I30. When the faucet I48 is system. Likewise the water in the tank I38 absorbs suilicient heat from-the alcohol vapor in the passage I28 to condense it, and the condensate is returned through pipe 58 to the interstage Jacket of the aspirator.

If no water is drawn from the tank I30, the temperature will rise until it approaches the point of inemclent operation of the refrigerating system, but at this point the bulb I34 operates the waste-discharge valve I40 to discharge excess hot .water through the pipe I44, thereby permitting sufllcient cold water to enter through pipe I28 to restore the apparatus to more eilicient operation. The cold water entering the condenser III is stratified by the baflle H8 and the preheated water passing from the'condenser IOI into the tank I02 is likewise stratifled by the baille I42, thereby insuring a more eflicient operation, as above explained.

The embodiment shown in Figs. 3 and 4 is, in principle, substantially identical to that shown in Fig. 1, the reference character R designating the aforesaid refrigeration apparatus having refrigerant vapor ducts 32 and 34, and the propellantcondenser fluid pipes 54 and 59.

The condenser 20I comprises an elongate shell or cylinder 205 suitably supported above the refrigeration apparatus R and is provided with a detachable head or closure plate 200 which is formed with a central opening 201 and inlet and outlet openings 208 and 209 at its bottom and top parts, respectively. A cold water supply line 2I0 is connected with the inlet 208 and an elongate bailie 2I2 is secured to the closure plate 208 above and to one side of the inlet 208 and extends along and in spaced relation to the lower wall of the cylinder 205 so as to stratify the incoming water. The refrigerant vapor duct 32 projects through the opening 201 in spaced telescopic relation to a return tube 2 having a closed inner end and provided with heat dissipating fins 2I5. The duct 32 and tube 2 are inclined and the outer end of the tube 2 extends through the opening 201 and is connected with the refrigerant return duct 34. The outlet 209 is connected by a pipe 2I8 with a condenser 202, hereinafter described.

With this construction and arrangement the refrigerant duct 32 and return tube 2I4constl-' cylinder 220 suitably supported above the cyl-' inder 205 and is provided with a detachable closure plate 22I formed at its lower part with a water inlet 222 and a propellant-condensing fluid inlet 224. The upper part of the closure plate'is formed with a hot wateroutlet 225 beneath which is a small opening for receiving the bulb or other thermostatic element 228 connected with waste-discharge valve 221 by capillary tube 225. The upper end of the pipe 2|. is connected with the inlet 222 and a hot water supply'line 225 is connected with the outlet 22 5. A baille 252, supported by the closure plate 22| above and at one side of the inlet 222, extends along and in spaced relation to the lower wallof the cylinder 22' so as to stratify the incoming preheated water from the condenser MI.

The upper end of the propellant-condensing fluid pipe '54 is connected with a coupling memher 234 connected with'a condenser tube 225, constituting the hot fluid passage of the condenser, which extends through the opening 224 into the interior of -the cylinder 220 and being supported in any suitable manner in an inclined position. The condenser tube 225 is provided with spaced heat-dissipating has 235 and its inner end is connected with an air drum 2!. which is connected to a small pipe line 2" which provides a connection by means of which the circuit may be initially evacuated, as described in the aforesaid Whitney Patent No. 2,174,302.

The operation of the system is as follows:

Assuming that water from supply line 2i. fills the cylinders 285 and 225 and that the refrigeration apparatus R is normally operating, the hot refrigerant from the aspirator passes up through pipe 52 into the tube 2 of condenser 2ll arid the hot alcohol, or other propellant condensing fluid from the aspirator jackets, passes up through pipe 54 into the condenser tube 235 of the condenser 202. The condensing refrigerant vapor transfers heat to the water in the cylinder 205, thereby preheating the water therein, and likewise the condensing alcohol vapor in the tube 235 transfers heat to the water in the cylinder 22!. when water is drawn off through supply line 228, the preheated water in condenser 2M passes through pipe 2|. into the cylinder 22. where it receives additional heat from the condensing alcohol in tube 225. The water in the condenser 2" effects condensation of the refrigerant vapor and the condensate is returned through pipe 14 to the evaporator trap of the refrigerating system. Likewise the water in the cylinder 220 condenses the alcohol in the tube 235 and the condensate is returned through pipe 55 to the interstage jacket of the aspirator. The thermostatic element 225 operates periodically to effect the discharge of excess hot water through the waste-discharge valve 221 so that the temperature of the water in the condenser 220 does not rise to the point of inefficient operation of the refrigeration system. When water is drawn off through supply line 225, a corresponding amount of cold water enters the lower condenser 2M through the line 2 I5 and the preheated water from the condenser 2M passes into the con-, denser 252 and in this way suihcient cold water enters the hot water generator to insure emcient operation of the refrigeration apparatus.

The advantages of the system as described herein over the system using one tank as described in U. S. Patent No. 2,174,302, granted to me, are as follows:

It is a characteristic of refrigerating apparatus of this type that, all other conditions being equal. the refrigeration effect will be practically constant provided the temperature of the refrigerant vapor condenser does not exceed a certain predetermined maximum. However, if this temperature is exceeded, the refrigeration effect drops to substantially zero. Because of this fact it is im ortant fer the economical operation of the system that the refrigerant vapor condenser be so constructed that the temperature difference necessary to transfer heat from the condensing refrigerantto the cooling medium be as small as possible.

The reasons for this will be apparent from the following. An apparatus of the type described herein is intended to supply refrigeration and hot water for domestic or commercial purposes. It is characteristic of such services that the demand for hot water will vary widely during the day, andthat there will be a period of several hours, usually at night when no water will be drawn. Because of unavoidable heat infiltration to the cold compartment, refrigeration demand will not cease at any time. Hence the machine must operate continuously, and heat will be-dissipated by both the refrigerant condenser and the propellant condenser to the cooling medium at all times. It will be seen that if no water is being drawn, the temperature of the cooling medium will increase. Before the refrigerant vapor condenser reaches the temperature at which refrigeration ceases, means must be provided for cooling the same if service isto be maintained. This is accomplishw in practice by automatically discharging a small quantity of hot water to a drain or sewer and allowing cold water to enter and cool the refrigerant condenser. Water so discharged, and the sensible heat it contains, are wasted, and this detracts from-the economical operation of the system.

A condenser requiring a small difference in temperature between the condensing surface and the cooling medium will allow said cooling medium to reach a higher temperature and absorb more heat before the limiting condenser temperature is reached, thus delaying the time when discharge must take place. In practice this allows the system to operate overnight without discharge and results in important economy in operation.

with respect to the propellant condenser, there is no necessity for limiting the temperature of the condenser, because the refrigeration effect is practically unaffected by temperatures below that of boiling water. It willbe apparent, of course, that if no water is drawn means must be provided for limitingthe temperature of the water in the tank surrounding the propellant condenser to that which is consistent with safety. This also is accomplished by automatically discharging a small quantity of water to a drain when the temperature of said tank approaches the limit of safety. Since this limiting temperature is high in comparison with the limiting temperature for the refrigerant condenser, it is found in practice that it is almost never necessary to discharge water to the drain except when the limiting temperature of the refrigerant condenser is reached.

Hence the importance of a small temperature 'diiference 'in the case of the refrigerant con-v denser and its unimportance in the case of the propellant condenser.

This desired result is accomplished by the system shown in Fig. 1. where the condensing surface surrounds and is in direct contact with the cooling medium, and to a somewhat lesser extent in thesystem shown in Fig. 3. where the required' in a single tank, but is completely attained if separate tanks are used. In the case where both condensers are located in a single tank with the refrigerant condenser located at the bottom, and the propellant condenser above the refrigerant condenser, heat is carried down from the pro pellant condenser to the refrigerant condenser in a number of ways. Some is carried down by conduction through the walls of the tank. This is especially true if the walls are of copper, and can only be minimized by making the tank of a metal possessing both low heat conductivity and the necessary resistance to corrosion such as silicon bronze or stainless steel. The greater part of the heat is carried down by the imperfect stratiflcation of the hot and cold water layers. This stratification is disturbed by the normal circulating currents set up within the tank due to the heat dissipated from the condensers. It is completely destroyed by the inrush of cold water at the bottom of the tank unless precautions are taken to minimize turbulence, and even with elaborate baffling it is impossible to prevent some mixing due to such turbulence. Such difliculties do not exist with the condensers situated in separate tanks.

Another advantage of the two-tank system is that each tank may be made of a material suitable for the operating temperatures encountered. It is well known that water supplies vary widely in corrosive effects on metals and in the quantity of dissolved mineral salts which precipitate to form a coating or to plug water systems. These effects are generally negligible at low temperature,.but may be very serious at high temperature. With separate tanks, the refrigerant condenser vessel may be made cheaply, for example out of galvanized iron. On the other hand, the tank containing the propellant condenser might be glass-lined, copper, siliconbronze, Monel, tinlined or any other material suitable for the much higher operating temperature.

A further advantage of having the propellant condenser in a separate tank is that itmay be readily removed without disturbing the remainder of the apparatus. This is desirable from the standpoint of economical maintenance, because in those instances where the water supply is poor the tank may be replaced when it is no longer serviceable, or removed for cleaning with a minimum of expense. It also simplifies shipping and installation.

As stated above, the temperature of the propellant condenser has little eflfect on the refrigeration effect, at least below the temperature of boiling'water. This fact makes the difference in temperature between the condensing surface and the cooling medium, or water, of little importance, and eliminates the necessity for intimate contact. It allows the condenser to be made in the form of a saddle which supports and contacts the surface of the tank, as shown in Fig. 1, thus further simplifying the problems of shipping, installation, and maintenance.

An advantageous feature of this particular design is that the shells 205 and 220 may readily be removed for cleaning, inspection or repair without disturbing or interfering with the operation of the refrigeration apparatus.

It should be understood that the present disclosure is for the purpose of illustration only and that this invention includes all modifications and equivalents which fall within the scope of the appended claims.

. and in heat-transfer relation thereto, said water tank providing a cold fluid passage, means for 15' conducting hot refrigerant vapor from said aspirator to the hot fluid passage of one of the. condensers, means for conducting heat from said propellant vapor through the hot fluid passage of the other condenser, means for conducting water to thecold fluid passage of one condenser, thereby to preheat the water, means for conducting the preheated water to the cold fluid passage of the other condenser, and means for discharging the heated water from the cold fluid passage of the latter condenser.

2. In combination with a refrigeration system of the type having a boiler for generating a propelleant vapor, and an aspirator operated by said propellant vapor for impelling a, refrigerant vapor from a cooler, a water-heating system comprising a first condenser having hot and cold fluid passages in heat-exchange relation with each other, a second condenser having a cradle-shaped housing defining a hot fluid passage and a water tanksupported by said cradle-shaped housin and in heat-transfer relation thereto, said water tank providing a cold fluid passage, means for conducting hot refrigerant vapor from said aspirator to the hot fluid passage of the first condenser, means for conducting heat from said propellant vapor through the hot fluid passage of the second condenser, means for conducting water to the cold fluid passage of one condenser, thereby to preheat the water, means for conducting the preheated water to the cold fluid passage of the other condenser, and means for discharging the heated water from the cold fluid passage of the latter condenser.

3. In combination with a refrigeration system of the type having a boiler for generating a propellant vapor, and an aspirator operated by said propellant vapor for impelling a refrigerant vapor from a cooler, a water-heating system comprising a flrst condenser having hot and cold fluid passages in heat-exchange relation with each other, a second condenser having a cradle-shaped housing defining a hot fluid passage and a water tank supported by said cradle-shaped housing and in heat-transfer relation thereto, said water tank providing a cold fluid passage, means for c0nducting hot refrigerantvapor from said aspirator to the hot fluid passage of one of the condensers, means for conducting heat from said propellant vapor through the hot fluid passage of the other condenser, means for conducting water to the cold fluid passage of the flrst condenser, thereby to preheat the water, means for conducting the preheated water from said first condenser to said tank, and means for discharging the heated water from said tank.

4. In combination with a refrigeration system of the type having a boiler for generating a propellant vapor, and an aspirator operated by said propellant vapor for impelling a refrigerant vapor from a cooler, a water-heating system' fluid passages in heat-exchange relation with each other, a second condenser having a cradle-shaped housing defining a hot fluid passage and a water tank supported by said cradle-shaped housing and in heat-transfer relation thereto, said water tank providing a cold fluid passage, means for conducting hot refrigerant vapor from said aspirator to the hot fluid passage of the first condenser, means for conducting heat from said propellant vapor through the hot fluid passage of the second condenser, means for conducting water to the cold fluid passage of the first condenser, thereby to preheat the water, means for conducting the preheated water from said first condenser to said tank, and means for discharging the heated water from said tank.

5. In combination with a refrigeration system of the type having a boiler for generating a propellant vapor, and an aspirator operated by said propellant vapor for impelling a refrigerant vapor from a cooler, a water-heating system comprising a first condenser having hot and cold fluid passages in heat-exchange relation with each other, a second condenser having a cradleshaped housing defining a hot fluid passage and a storage tank supported by said cradle-shaped housing and in heat-transfer relation thereto, the

storage tank providing the cold water passage of said second condenser, means for conducting hot refrigerant vapor from said aspirator to the hot fluid passage of one of the condensers, means for conducting the propellant condensing fluid from the aspirator jacket to the hot fluid passage of the other condenser, means for conducting water to the cold fluid passage of one condenser. thereby to preheat the water, means for conducting the preheated waterto the cold fluid passage of the other condenser, and means for discharging the heated water from the latter condenser.

6. In combination with a refrigeration system of the type having a boiler for generating a propellant vapor, and an aspiratoroperated by said propellant vapor for impelling a refrigerant vapor from a cooler, a water-heating system comprising a first condenser having hot and cold fluid passages in heat-exchange relation with each other, a second condenser having a cradleshaped housing defining a hot fluid passage and a storage tank supported by said cradle-shaped housing and in heat-transfer relation thereto, the storage tank providing the cold water passage of said second condenser, means for conducting hot refrigerant vapor from said aspirator to the hot fluid passage of the first condenser, means for conducting the propellant-condensing fluid from the aspirator jacket to the hot fluid passage of the second condenser, means for conducting water to the cold fluid passage of one condenser, thereby to preheat the water, means for conducting the preheated water to the cold fluid passage of the other condenser, and means for discharging the heated water from the latter condenser.

7. In combination with a refrigeration system of the type having a boiler for generating a propellant vapor, and an aspirator operated by said propellant vapor for impelling a refrigerant vapor from a cooler, a water-heating system comprising a first condenser having hot and cold fluid passages in heat-exchange relation with each other, a second condenser having a cradle-shaped housing defining a hot fluid passage and a storage tank supported by said cradle-shaped housing and in heat-transfer relation thereto, the storage tank providing the cold water passage of said second condenser, means for conducting hot refrigerant vapor from said aspirator to the hot fluid passage of theflrst condenser, means for conducting the propellant-condensing fluid from the aspirator jacket to the hot fluid passage of the second condenser, means for conducting water to the cold fluid passage of the first condenser, thereby to preheat the water, means for conducting the preheated water from said first condenser to said tank, and means for dischar in gthe heated water from said tank.

8. In combination witha refrigeration system of the type having a boiler for generating a propellant vapor, and an aspirator operated by said propellant vapor for impelling a refrigerant vapor from'a cooler, a water-heating system comprising a first condenser having hot and cold fluid passages in heat-exchange relation with each other, a second condenser having a cradle-shaped housing defining a hot ,fluid passage and a storage tank supported by said cradle-shaped housing and in heat-transfer relation thereto, the storage tank providing the cold water passage of said second condenser, means for conducting hot refrigerant vapor from said aspirator to the hot fluid passage of one of the condensers, means for conducting the propellant condensing fluid from the aspirator jacket to the hot fluid passage of the other condenser, means for conducting water to the cold fluid passage of the first condenser, thereby to preheat the water, means for conducting the preheated water from the first condenser to said tank, and means for discharging the heated water from said tank.

9. In combination with a refrigeration system of the type having a boiler for generating a propellant vapor, and an aspirator operated by said propellant vapor for impelling a refrigerant vapor from a cooler, a water-heating system comprising a first condenser having hot and cold fluid passages, one surrounding the other, a second condenser having a hot fluid passage and a cold fluid passage, one of which at least partially surrounds the other, means for conducting hot refrigerant vapor from said aspirator to the hot fluid passage of one condenser, means for conducting heat from said propellant vapor through the hot fluid passage of the other condenser, means for conducting water to the cold fluid passage of the one' condenser, thereby to preheat the water, means for conducting the preheated water to the cold fluid passage of the other condenser, and means for discharging the heated water from the latter condenser.

10. In combination with a refrigeration system of the type having a boiler for generating a propellant vapor, and an aspirator operated by said propellant vapor for impelling a refrigerant vapor from a cooler, a water-heating system comprising a first condenser having hot and cold fluid passages in heat-exchange relation with each other, a second condenser comprising a hot fluid passage and a storage tank providing a cold fluid passage in heat-transfer relation to the hot fluid passage, means for conducting hot refrigerant vapor from said aspirator to the hot fluid passage of one of the condensers, means for conducting the propellant condensing fluid from the aspirator jacket to the hot fluid passage of the other condenser, means for conducting water to the cold fluid passage of the first condenser, thereby to preheat the water, means for conducting the preheated water to said tank, and means for discharging the heated water from said tank.

11. In combination with a refrigeration system of the type having a boiler for generating a propellant vapor, and a jacketed aspirator operated by said propellant vapor for impelling a refrigerant vapor from a cooler, a water-heating system comprising a first condenser having hot and cold fluid passages, one surrounding the other, a second condenser having a cold fluid passage of greater capacity than that of said first condenser and a hot fluid passage in heat exchange relation to the cold fluid passage, means for conducting hot refrigerant vapor from said aspirator to the hot fluid passage of the first condenser, means for conducting the propellantcondensing fluid from the aspirator jacket to the hot fluid passage of the second condenser, means for conducting water to the cold fluid passage of the first condenser, thereby to preheat the water, means for conducting the preheated water to the cold fluid passage of the second condenser, and means for discharging the heated water from the second condenser.

12. In combination with a refrigeration system of the type having a boiler for generating a propellant vapor, and an aspirator operated by said propellant vapor for impelling a refrigerant vapor from a cooler, a water-heating system comprising a first condenser having hot and cold fluid passages, the cold fluid passage surrounding the hot fluid passage, a second condenser having a hot fluid passage and a storage tank surrounding the hot fluid passage and providing the cold water passage of said second condenser, means for conducting the hot refrigerant vapor from said aspirator to the hot fluid passage of the first condenser, means for conducting the propellant condensing fluid from the aspirator jacket to the hot fluid passage of the second condenser, means for conducting water to the cold fluid passage of the first condenser, thereby to preheat the water,

means for conducting the preheated water from said first condenser to said tank, and means for discharging the heated water from said tank.

, 13. In combination with a refrigeration system of the type having a boiler for generating a propellant vapor, and an aspirator operated by said propellant vapor for impelling a refrigerant vapor from a cooler, a water-heating system comprising a first condenser having hot and cold fluid passages in heat-exchange relation with each other, a second condenser having a housing defining a hot fluid passage and a water tank embraced by said housing and in heat-transfer relation thereto,

said water tank providing a cold fluid passage,

means for conducting hot refrigerant vapor from said aspirator to the hot fluid passage of one of the condensers, means for conducting heat from said propellant vapor through the hot fluid passage of the other condenser, means for conducting water to the cold fluid passage of one condenser, thereby to preheat the water, means for conducting the preheated water to the cold fluid passage of the other condenser, and means for discharging the heated Water from the cold fluid passage of the latter condenser.

14. In combination with a refrigeration system of the type having a boiler for generating a propellant vapor, and an aspirator operated by said propellant vapor for iinpelling a refrigerant vapor from acooler, a water-heating system comprising a first condenser having hot and cold fluid pas--v sages in heat-exchange relation with each other, a second condenser having a housing defining a hot fluid passage and a storage tank embraced by said housing and in heat-transfer relation thereto, the storage tank providing the cold water passage of said second condenser, means for conducting hot refrigerant vapor from said aspirator to the hot fluid passage of the first condenser, means for conducting the propellant condensing fluid from the aspirator jacket to the hot fluid passage of the second condenser, means for conducting water to the cold fluid passage of the first condenser, thereby to preheat the water, means for conducting the preheated water from the first condenser to said tank, and means for discharging the heated water from said tank.

LYMAN F. WHITNEY.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,870,265 Seligmann Aug. 9, 1932 2,411,347 Trumpler Nov. 19, 1946 

